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GI Forum
Beginnings
As millions of veterans returned
home from World War II, many looked to the GI Bill of Rights
which guaranteed education, medical benefits, housing and
basic benefits. But these benefits were being denied in large
part to Americans of Mexican descent and other Hispanics throughout
the Southwest.
This aroused a young Army veteran,
Hector Garcia, a medical doctor from Corpus Christi, Texas.
In 1948 he was inspired to rally his former comrades-in-arms.
Thus was born the American GI forum dedicated to address problems
of discrimination and inequities endured by Mexican-American
veterans.
Civil Rights
The Forum soon became a civil rights
advocate for all Hispanics and broadened activities to promote
greater participation in civic affairs. In spite of its limited
resources, the Forum made giant strides through the sheer
force of dedicated leaders and hardworking members, including
the Women’s and Youth chapters, whose participation has
helped strengthen the Forum’s structure.
The American GI Forum has been
in the forefront of major civil rights struggles such as:
- Desegregating schools
- Initiating school drives for students
- Initiating voter registration
- Demanding fair judicial proceedings
- Speaking out against mass media stereotyping
and distortions
In the 1960s, the Mexican-American
Commission was formed under President Johnson. This led to
a number of forward steps, and Mexican-American people have
been appointed to:
- Equal Opportunity Commission
- Civil Rights Commission
- Ambassador to the United Nations
- Federal district judges
- State and local offices
Hispanics have become a vocal and
visible political group. In 1983, President Reagan became
the first President to address the National Convention of
the Forum, when he acknowledged the military records of Hispanics
in this country’s defense, dating back to the American
Revolution. He acknowledged Hispanics appointed to high government
positions. At least 37 Hispanics have received the Congressional
Medal of Honor.
Hispanics
Today
Since 1948 Hispanics have achieved
top positions in a variety of fields, including:
- Education
- Science
- Arts
- Business
- Sports
Many of the struggles for simple
justice still continue.
- Education for bilingual
Spanish-speaking students needs major attention.
- Employment training programs are in critical
need.
- More advancements in mid-level and
management positions need to be achieved.
Improvement in the quality of life,
economically and socially, is still the dream and the goal.
Fortunately, Hispanics benefited from deep cultural roots,
traditional values and an abiding religious faith which have
sustained and strengthened them. In this context, there can
be no question that “we are our brother’s keeper.”
If there is one human rights violation anywhere, we all suffer
the consequences.
The American GI Forum will continue
to serve as a significant rallying point!
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